Kim Carnes Clarifies Stance on JoJo Siwa Cover

Kim Carnes, original singer of the 1981 hit 'Bette Davis Eyes,' has expressed mixed feelings about JoJo Siwa's recent cover, stating it closely mirrors her own phrasing, tone, and vocal inflections. Carnes emphasized the importance of authenticity, noting her emotional response came from feeling her 'voice is being borrowed,' and highlighted the unique, live, and unedited nature of her original recording compared to Siwa's highly produced version. She condemned online hate directed at both herself and Siwa, asserting that such behavior has no place in music or elsewhere. Despite her reservations, Carnes expressed appreciation for the diverse interpretations of her song by other artists. The controversy around Siwa's cover has generated significant discussion online, coinciding with Siwa's recent withdrawal from a Pride event and other public controversies. Both artists have called for respect and open expression within the creative community.